Sunday, September 23, 2012

Unicorn Earflap Hat

So here is my take on the unicorn earflap hat. It is just the basic hat that you'd use for pretty much anything, joined at each end of the round (so that it looks more straight and not spiraled like my "Peruvian hat".

The small adult measures approximately 20-21". The adult size measures approximately 22-23". Make sure you measure and check your gauge/size. You may crochet looser or tighter than me (although I am pretty tight), so just keep that in mind too.

Abbreviations: (In US terms)
ch - chain
hdc - half double crochet
hdc2tog - half double crochet two together (decrease stitch)
sk - skip
sl st - slip stitch
sc - single crochet
mr - magic ring (can also chain 2 and work stitches into 2nd chain from hook. I just prefer magic ring. See youtube for videos on it to show you how if you do not know this way yet. It's great!)

Please note: The ch2 at the beginning of the rounds count as your first hdc. :)

For the other ear flap, attach yarn on other side and repeat above from row 22. When you get to the last row, instead of cutting yarn, just sc all around the bottom/outer edge of the hat to give it a finished look.

For the braids:
I used 1 strand of each of the 6 colors, approximately 18" long (make them as long or short as you wish). I then pull the strands through one of the bottom stitches on the ear flap. With the hat on your lap and the strings toward your body, fold the strings in half and use 4 strands in each part to braid.

For the mane:
I used 16" lengths, although I have seen pictures where they are shorter, etc. I put 5 strands in each part I pulled through, and did 2 rows of each of the colors. (So I pulled 5 strands in through the seam on one row, knotted it. I pulled 5 more strands of same color on the row below it, knotted it. Then changed colors. You can make the mane longer by maybe doing 3 rows, if you want.)

For the ears:
I don't really like these ears because they are flimsy/floppy, but it was all I could come up with for now without them looking wide like a cat ear. Maybe I can update this soon, or if you have a better way to do it, let me know!

For the other ear flap, attach yarn on other side and repeat above starting from row 23. When you get to the last row, instead of cutting yarn, just sc all around the bottom/outer edge of the hat to give it a finished look.

For the braids:
I used 1 strand of each of the 6 colors, approximately 18" long (make them as long or short as you wish). I then pull the strands through one of the bottom stitches on the ear flap. With the hat on your lap and the strings toward your body, fold the strings in half and use 4 strands in each part to braid.

For the mane:
I used 16" lengths, although I have seen pictures where they are shorter, etc. I put 5 strands in each part I pulled through, and did 2 rows of each of the colors. (So I pulled 5 strands in through the seam on one row, knotted it. I pulled 5 more strands of same color on the row below it, knotted it. Then changed colors. You can make the mane longer by maybe doing 3 rows, if you want. I would imagine for this size, 3 rows would look good. The hat I have pictured above is the small adult, so doesn't count for the added row for length and such.)

For the ears:
I don't really like these ears because they are flimsy/floppy, but it was all I could come up with for now without them looking wide like a cat ear. Maybe I can update this soon, or if you have a better way to do it, let me know!